At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Amazon MGM Studios unveiled the first glimpse of 'I Play Rocky,' a new film chronicling the early career of Sylvester Stallone and the creation of the legendary 'Rocky' movie. Anthony Ippolito stars as the young Stallone, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of an unknown actor who defied odds to secure his role as Rocky Balboa. The film, directed by Peter Farrelly, is scheduled for a limited release on November 13 and a wider release on November 20, perfectly timed for the original 'Rocky's' 50th anniversary, which premiered on November 21, 1976.

Anthony Ippolito Captivates Audiences as Young Sylvester Stallone at CinemaCon

On a bustling Wednesday in April 2026, at the CinemaCon event in Las Vegas, the spotlight shone brightly on the eagerly anticipated film, 'I Play Rocky.' Director Peter Farrelly, alongside the film's lead, Anthony Ippolito, and several other talented cast members, took to the stage. Farrelly enthusiastically declared, "They're going to blow you away," before revealing the initial footage from the movie. The preview showcased Ippolito's remarkable portrayal of a young Sylvester Stallone, meticulously capturing his distinctive raspy voice. In a poignant scene, Ippolito's character explains his decision to go by "Mike," a name adopted after childhood taunts about his given name. The narrative delves into the early challenges Stallone faced as an aspiring actor, being told he lacked the conventional looks of a movie star and possessed an unconventional speaking voice. His girlfriend, portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb, emerges as a pivotal figure, encouraging him to embrace his original name and to channel his experiences into writing his own screenplay—a story where he could cast himself in the lead. This inspiration leads to the birth of 'Rocky.' The footage powerfully depicts Stallone's relentless quest to persuade studio executives to allow him to star in his own creation. Despite securing the role and undergoing rigorous training, self-doubt lingers. The preview culminates with the iconic 'Rocky' musical theme, as Ippolito's Stallone poses a profound question: "This movie is about having a belief in yourself, it's about going the distance. I put my heart and soul on the page; if I'm not willing to live up to what I wrote, then what's the point? So do you believe in me, or not?" The ensemble cast also includes Matt Dillon, P.J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, Stephan James, Kiki Seto, Robert Morgan, Saul Stein, Trevor St. John, Erik Palladino, and Rob Demery. Ippolito is no stranger to embodying legendary figures, having previously portrayed Al Pacino in the Paramount limited series, 'The Offer.' The 'Rocky' franchise, originally distributed by United Artists and later by MGM, stands as one of cinema's most celebrated and financially successful sports sagas, generating over $1.7 billion globally, including its 'Creed' spin-offs. Stallone's own struggle to bring the 1976 film to life, which ultimately garnered an Academy Award for Best Picture, has since become an indelible part of Hollywood lore.

The debut of 'I Play Rocky' footage at CinemaCon offers a compelling look into the often-unseen struggles behind Hollywood's biggest successes. It reminds us that behind every iconic film and legendary figure lies a journey of unwavering determination, self-belief, and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom. The film's exploration of Sylvester Stallone's early career serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring artists and underscores the power of perseverance in achieving one's dreams against all odds.